Pune News
Pune Trainee IAS Officer Transferred for Using Red Beacon on Private Audi
Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, has been transferred to Washim after being accused of misusing her power as a civil servant. Khedkar, who secured an All India Rank of 821 in the UPSC exams, was initially posted as an assistant collector in Pune. Controversy arose when it was discovered that Khedkar was availing facilities that are not typically provided to probationary officers. This included the use of a red-blue beacon and a board displaying “Maharashtra Government” on her private Audi car. Additionally, she was found occupying the ante-chamber of additional collector Ajay More in his absence.
She had removed office furniture without More’s consent and even requested the revenue assistant to provide her with a letterhead, nameplate, and other facilities using their name. Upon learning of these violations, Pune Collector Suhas Divase wrote a letter to the state’s Chief Secretary, leading to Khedkar’s transfer from Pune to Washim. According to the official order, Khedkar, a part of the 2023 batch of IAS officers, will serve the remaining period of her probation as a supernumerary assistant collector in the Washim district.
Reports indicate that Khedkar’s father, a retired administrative officer, exerted pressure on the District Collector’s office to fulfill his daughter’s demands. The transfer of Puja Khedkar highlights the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to the rules and regulations governing civil servants. It serves as a reminder that misuse of power and privileges can have serious consequences, even for probationary officers. The incident also underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and integrity in the functioning of government officials.
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